Give Gayla a Hippo for Christmas
>> Sunday, December 16, 2007
I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas is a Christmas novelty song written by John Coctoasten and performed by Gayla Peevey ,(10 years old at the time), in 1953. Gayla was a regional child star of the Oklahoma City area. This 1953 hit was recorded in New York and later used as a fund-raiser to bring the city zoo a hippo, using the slogan, Give Gayla a Hippo for Christmas. When released nationally by Columbia Records the song shot to the top of the charts, and Gayla was presented with a baby hippo named Matilda the following Christmas, which she then donated to the Oklahoma City Zoo.
(You can listen to a recent radio interview with Gayla Peevey by clicking here!)
This particular video was done by some clever character who posted it on YouTube. The first time I watched it, I laughed so hard I thought I was going to pee my pants!
6 comments:
You know, you really should consider writing free-lance for newspapers. You're really good at this sort of thing. I think writing is one of the gifts of our entire family. I've really enjoyed all this stuff. Didn't know that Gayla Peevy was from OKC, or the story behind that song. But that song always makes me laugh and smile every time I hear it. Love knowing the story behind it.
Seriously, you need to explore all kinds of writing opportunities. The way to break into the world of writing/publishing is to just start writing--saturate publishers with samples of your stuff. Start with local newspapers, magazines, etc.
I've always loved to write. In fact, my highest scores on the ACT were in English. And do you remember the JQE that we had to take in our junior year at OBU? I made a perfect score on that without even FINISHING it!
I've never really thought of writing for newspapers or magazines before. I guess because I've always just done it sort of as a hobby and/or because I enjoy it.
Ok, Mr. Man in publishing, who do you suggest I start with?
Lynette, send some of what you have blogged about to some local newspapers and magazines--like the News Press, Ponca City's paper, Enid's paper, and any local magazines for starters. Write a cover letter saying that you are a freelance writer and would be interested in writing for them on particular topics or even seasonal types of things like you've done during the Christmas. I think once you got your foot in the door it might lead you to other things. Who knows? In the world of publishing the sky is the limit. The biggest part--as you and Steph know--is just getting your foot in the door. But once you're in, you're in. You just have to be persistent and not get discouraged. Find out what newspapers and magazines require from freelance writers. In fact, you could just make some phone calls and ask them what you could send to them that they would find interesting as a sample. The main thing is--KEEP WRITING.
I have a dream to publish a book someday, I just have too many ideas of what I want to write about. I just need to sit down and make myself start. But, I have a network to work within whenever I do decide to do it. I've already done some freelance Bible study writing, and the guy I did it for has a lot of other things that he wants me to consider. Karla is writing for our curriculum, also. So, it's in the blood--just get it out there. You are an excellent communicator through words--dad is, too. I read an article he wrote for a publication not too long ago and it was excellent. I was impressed. He can't spell, but he is articulate in writing.
You remember last Christmas how every time we'd get in the car this song would come on?? Now I can't here it without thinking of that! LOL!
And by 'here' I mean 'hear'. Lol.
You're forgetting how to write in English! LOL!!!
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